Big tog weighed at Brielle Tackle

As the great winter weather continues, anglers have been enjoying fishing more typical of spring or fall. Greg Bogan reported from Brielle Tackle that Derek Labatch of Toms River weighed an 11 pound, 3 ounce blackfish yesterday after catching it on a local party boat while using white-leg crabs for bait. Bogan noted that other big tog have caught as well -- and mostly on the inshore spots.

For the consistent ling fishing, Bogan said the hottest ling rig is a 3/0Mustad baitholder hook (hi-lo) with some green glow beads , or some pink or bright green teasers. Octopus skirts or rubber grubs both work well as teasers.

On the freshwater side, Bogan reported crappies and pickerel are biting in the local ponds, especially in Ocean County. Live Killes and spinners like Mepps or Roostertails are all working. The crappie are also hittng little jigs.